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Intelligence Analysts at the FBI analyze information, provide judgments and make recommendations to support decision makers to take action to mitigate all threats. Having the right information and guidance is critical to protecting the United States. Intelligence Analysts' knowledge, recommendations and strategies help identify and combat threats, while their collaborative networks with state, local and federal partners and with members of the Intelligence Community help mitigate risks before they happen.

Need more information about this intelligence-driven career? Look below to get a wider picture of Intelligence Analyst careers with the FBI.

Overview

What You Will Do as an Intelligence Analyst

Intelligence Analysts break down information into key components and contribute to plans of action to understand, mitigate and neutralize threats. This means they are part of our first line of defense for national security. The following are general activities an Intelligence Analyst will perform regardless of placement or topic:

Identify threats and provide decision makers with the information they need to combat those threats through intelligence analysis collected by field offices and around the world. From there, develop assessments based on all available information.

Facilitate information sharing by developing relationships, forming networks and partnering with international, national, state, and local contacts in the intelligence and law enforcement communities.

Use knowledge and understanding of language, culture and history of specific regions to combat and stay ahead of threats.

These are just a few of an Intelligence Analyst's duties. Intelligence Analysts engage in work ranging from counterterrorism to organized crime and beyond. This is a career where self-starters thrive and continuously developing new knowledge is key.

A Career as an Intelligence Analyst

Where a Career as an Intelligence Analyst Can Take You

Intelligence Analysts have distinctive and rewarding careers at the FBI — built on the foundation of exploitation, analysis and sharing of information. This is a career where being proactive is key. Intelligence Analysts work closely with Special Agents, other FBI employees and Intelligence Community partners to consolidate comprehensive information into strategic, analytical intelligence products to enhance their teams' understanding of threats, gaps and vulnerabilities. In many cases, this information is found through self-initiated study and research.

From assessing, collecting and disseminating raw intelligence to making real-time analytic judgments regarding specific and emerging threats to conducting studies to identify threats and trends, Intelligence Analysts are critical to the FBI's ability to act proactively against evolving threats.

Responsive to Threats

Where Intelligence Analysts Work

At the FBI, flexibility is key. Intelligence Analysts must be prepared and willing to be assigned according to the needs of the Bureau. All Intelligence Analysts are subject to transfer to meet the needs of the FBI.

When first hired, candidates will either be assigned to a Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, DC, or to one of the 56 Field Offices located across the country. Intelligence Analysts in field offices serve as part of Field Intelligence Groups.

The Intelligence Analyst Selection Process

The FBI recruits and hires Intelligence Analysts at all stages of career and experience, from college seniors to experienced professionals. Education and experience requirements are different depending on the Intelligence Analyst role and position grade.

The Intelligence Analyst Selection Process is designed to test your critical thinking, writing, analytical skills and ability to work under timed constraints. The length of the process varies depending on the individual and background investigation. Below is a sample timeline of the application process.

Application Steps and Timeline

Step 1: Online Application

Begin the Online Application here. Be prepared to answer questions about specialized skills, professional experiences and an ability to assist in the FBI mission.

Before applying, applicants should find an FBI Field Office near them. Candidates must report to a field office for interviews and test several times throughout the application process; they are responsible for their own travel to and from the field office.

Phase II Test

The successful completion of the Phase I Test automatically registers the candidate for the Phase II Test. The Intelligence Analyst candidate will proceed through written exercises simulating the Intelligence Analyst's role in reviewing intelligence and preparing an intelligence product.

Step 3: Phase III — Interview

The Phase III Test is based on the successful completion of the Phase II Test. The Intelligence Analyst candidate participates in a structured interview with the FBI to assess his or her oral communication, interpersonal, organization, planning and analytical thinking skills.

Step 4: Background Investigation

After passing the Phase III Test, successful candidates will be issued a Conditional Job Offer (CJO) Upon acceptance of the offer, candidates will undergo a thorough FBI background investigation. Conditional Job Offers are contingent upon successfully passing the background investigation.

All applicants must be eligible to hold a Top Secret security clearance in order to become Intelligence Analysts. The background investigation reviews an applicant’s actions, relationships and experiences over the past 10 years.

Step 5: Basic Field Training Course

Upon successful completion of the background investigation, candidates will be scheduled for a 13-week Basic Field Training Course (BFTC) date and receive orders to report to the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA, to begin training as New Intelligence Analyst Trainees (NIATs). Candidates are typically notified two to four weeks in advance of their class date. Though NIATs are paid for their time at the FBI Academy, they must successfully complete all portions of the BFTC in order to be fully hired as FBI Intelligence Analysts. For more information on the FBI Academy click here.

Step 6: Graduation

Upon successful graduation of the BFTC, new Intelligence Analysts report to their assigned division on their specified date.

A Rewarding Career

After the Basic Field Training Course, Intelligence Analysts will be placed in their new positions. Since every Intelligence Analyst is placed based on FBI needs, your experience will be uniquely your own. You will be a part of the FBI team. You’ll make a real difference every day. And you’ll have a career like no other.